Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti paid tribute in New York to brothers Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi. As reported by Telegrafi, he described them as freedom fighters from the Atlantic Battalion, American citizens and martyrs of the Albanian nation.
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At the commemorative ceremony, Kurti was accompanied by the Bytyqi family, Fairview City Mayor Violetta Berisha, representatives of the Albanian-American Civic League, as well as colleagues and associates.
According to the prime minister, through their actions, the Bytyqi brothers embody the highest values of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the Albanian people.
Kurti also emphasized that honoring their sacrifice is also a tribute to the Albanian diaspora in the United States, which stood by Kosovo during its most difficult periods.
During the meeting, Ilir Bytyqi recounted the story of the imprisonment, transfer, torture and murder of his three brothers.
He said the brothers were transferred to be tortured, while their bodies were riddled with bullets in an attempt to conceal the traces of the crime. Later, the bodies were thrown into mass graves.
Kurti described the story as shocking every time it is told or recalled, saying that the case of the Bytyqi brothers bears witness to crimes committed by Serbian state forces and the lack of justice even 27 years later.
He stressed that the passage of time does not diminish the crime or remove the obligation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The prime minister said that Kosovo, together with the United States of America, would continue efforts to uncover the truth and deliver justice for Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi.
In conclusion, Kurti expressed gratitude to the United States and the Albanian diaspora for the support they have given Kosovo.
